Grimm – “The Taming of the Wu” Review. Were-Wu of Portland.

Season 5, Episode 19

Air Date: Friday, April 29, 2016 at 9/8c on NBC

Rating: ★★★★★

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.” – Grimm

Wu knows something isn’t quite right with him…wait until he sees the video Monroe takes!

The title of my review pays homage to Warren Zevon’s song, “Werewolves of London,” as it runs through my mind. Yes, ladies and gents, what we’ve seen happening to our beloved Sgt. Wu (Reggie Lee) these past few episodes finally comes to light for all to see – Wu is a werewolf. I will still lovingly refer to him as Wu-Wolf but nevertheless, Wu isn’t human anymore…is he?

“The Taming of the Wu” doesn’t just deal with Wu’s transformation after being scratched by an infected Blutbad in “Lycanthropia;” it also delves a bit deeper into the group known as “Black Claw,” and the lengths they are willing to go in order to get certain people on their side. The interesting part of the entire episode is how the young and quite impetuous Diana (Hannah R. Lloyd) behaves when things don’t go her way. Talk about temper tantrums!

Monroe and Rosalee try to help Wu recall some repressed memories to aid him in figuring out what’s going on.

This episode of Grimm doesn’t really have a case of the week per se, but there is a body. Someone has been following Wu for reasons unknown. Who is after him? Do they know about his condition; is that why they want him? At any rate, the confrontation between Wu and his would be assailant ends badly. I feel terrible for Wu. He’s confused and has already gone through so much, to have this happen to him must be difficult to take in all at once. The fact that Wu reaches out to Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell) and Rosalee (Bree Turner) of his own volition proves he has a lot on his plate. I just hope they can help him tame the beast within. If there is a cure, I know Rosalee will find it.

I’m still not sure what Black Claw is doing in Portland aside from trying to get Sean (Sasha Roiz) elected major. Is Portland Black Claw’s political starting point with the intent to take over the world? Is Black Claw’s objective to recruit Grimms and Hexenbiests to help their cause as well? Bonaparte (guest star Shaun Toub), a new player in town, makes it clear to Sean that Black Claw wants Adalind on their side. It’s not really a choice, though – either she joins or dies. Are they even offering a 401K plan? Dental? By the way, my initial suspicions about Zuri’s (guest star Sharon Leal) return are confirmed. I was so happy for Hank (Russell Hornsby). He thinks he’s found someone special to spend time with…well, she’s special alright. Zuri is Wesen, as we learned in season three’s, “Eye of the Beholder,” and definitely has ulterior motives when it comes to her involvement with Hank.

Not even Sean can quell his daughter’s voracious need to have her mother near.

Diana wants her mommy and she wants her now. Despite Adalind telling her daughter she needs more time before she can join her and Sean, that’s just not good enough. I knew Diana would be powerful; she is, after all, half Hexenbiest and half Zauberbiest. Let’s not forget, Adalind was pregnant when trying to regain her powers, which somehow enhanced Diana’s abilities even more. Lloyd is terrifyingly good as the petulant Diana. And when I say she’s powerful, Diana’s reach and capacity to manipulate are shocking. If you recall the whole Adalind and Eve (Bitsie Tulloch) connection and how Eve became who she is, it lends even more shock value to the telepathic powers Diana showcases; it is frightening as she reaches more than just one person. The scene involving Diana trying to reach her mother Adalind is a must see!

My question is why? Why is Diana so aggressive? Has she been brainwashed? Meisner (Damien Puckler) safeguarded her in Hadrian’s Wall safe house. Was Diana that repugnant even then? I’m very curious about how Diana’s growth has progressed since the end of season four, and whether she knows the difference between right and wrong. Is Diana fully aware of Black Claw’s nefarious deeds or does she only care about bringing her parents together?

Overall

With only a few episodes remaining until the season five finale, I can only speculate at what the writers have in store for us. There aren’t very many clues in “The Taming of the Wu,” but I have a feeling Black Claw wants to experiment on Wu. He’s a human who has survived being scratched by a Lycanthrope. Can you imagine an army of Wu-Wolves under Black Claw’s control? I wonder if the magic stick Nick and Monroe found in “Into the Schwarzwald” could heal Wu. I must say, the ending of “The Taming of the Wu” is quite dramatic. Nick and Adalind finally bridge their gap a little closer only for the foundation to get rocked. The clue in Adalind’s note lets me know she truly cares for Nick but I don’t know whether their relationship will survive Black Claw’s interference.

What did you think of “The Taming of the Wu?” What do you think of Wu-Wolf? Leave me a comment below or tweet me at @judybopp. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Tune in to Grimm, Fridays at 9/8c, only on NBC.

For more on the show, go to the official site.

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Follow Grimm on Twitter @NBCGrimm, as well as these cast members: @russellhornsby, @mistergiuntoli, @BitsieTulloch, @sasharoiz, @MrReggieLee, @ClaireCoffee @RealBreeTurner, and @DamienPuckler.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.